Are you tired of struggling to set custom user attributes through custom policy in Azure AD B2C? You’re not alone! Many developers and engineers have faced this issue, and it’s time to put an end to it. In this article, we’ll dive into the world of Azure AD B2C, explore the challenges of setting custom user attributes, and provide a step-by-step guide on how to overcome this hurdle using custom policy.
Understanding Azure AD B2C and Custom Policy
Azure AD B2C is a cloud-based identity and access management solution that enables businesses to provide secure and seamless authentication experiences for their customers. Custom policy in Azure AD B2C allows developers to define custom user flows and policies to meet specific business requirements. One of the essential features of custom policy is the ability to set custom user attributes.
What are Custom User Attributes?
Custom user attributes are additional pieces of information that can be associated with a user’s profile in Azure AD B2C. These attributes can be used to store information specific to your business, such as a user’s preferred language, location, or loyalty program membership. By setting custom user attributes, you can create a more personalized and tailored experience for your customers.
The Challenge: Azure AD B2C Not Able to Set Custom User Attributes through Custom Policy
Despite the flexibility and power of custom policy, many developers have reported issues when trying to set custom user attributes through custom policy. This can be frustrating, especially when you’ve invested time and effort into designing and implementing a custom policy that meets your business requirements.
The error message you might encounter is:
"AADB2C: User attribute {attribute_name} is not allowed to be set through the Azure AD B2C custom policy."
This error occurs because Azure AD B2C has strict security and validation rules in place to prevent unauthorized access and data manipulation. By default, Azure AD B2C restricts the setting of custom user attributes through custom policy to ensure data integrity and security.
Solving the Problem: Enabling Custom User Attributes through Custom Policy
Fear not, dear developer! With a few tweaks and configurations, you can successfully set custom user attributes through custom policy in Azure AD B2C. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you overcome this hurdle:
Step 1: Create a Custom Attribute in Azure AD B2C
Before you can set a custom user attribute through custom policy, you need to create the attribute in Azure AD B2C. Follow these steps:
- Navigate to the Azure portal and select your Azure AD B2C tenant.
- Click on “User attributes” under the “Azure AD B2C” section.
- Click on “New attribute” and enter the name and description of your custom attribute.
- Select the data type and click “Create”.
Step 2: Define a Claim in the Custom Policy
Next, you need to define a claim in your custom policy to represent the custom user attribute.Claims are the building blocks of custom policy and define the information that’s exchanged between Azure AD B2C and your application.
<ClaimsSchema>
<ClaimType Id=" CUSTOM_ATTR">
<DisplayName>My Custom Attribute</DisplayName>
<DataType>string</DataType>
<UserInputType>TextBox</UserInputType>
</ClaimType>
</ClaimsSchema>
Step 3: Add a Technical Profile to the Custom Policy
A technical profile defines how Azure AD B2C interacts with an external system or API. In this case, you’ll create a technical profile to set the custom user attribute.
<TechnicalProfile Id="SetCustomAttribute">
<DisplayName>Set Custom Attribute</DisplayName>
<Protocol Name="Proprietary" Handler="Web.TPEngine.Providers.RestfulProvider, Web.TPEngine, Version=1.0.0.0, Culture=neutral, PublicKeyToken=null" />
<TechnicalProfile Id="GetOrCreateUser">
<Metadata>
<Item Key="Operation">GetOrCreateUser</Item>
</Metadata>
<InputClaims>
<InputClaim ClaimTypeReferenceId="objectId" />
</InputClaims>
<OutputClaims>
<OutputClaim ClaimTypeReferenceId="CUSTOM_ATTR" />
</OutputClaims>
</TechnicalProfile>
</TechnicalProfile>
Step 4: Add the Technical Profile to the User Journey
The final step is to add the technical profile to the user journey. This will enable Azure AD B2C to execute the technical profile when the user signs up or signs in.
<UserJourney Id="SignUpOrSignIn">
<OrchestrationSteps>
<OrchestrationStep Order="1" Type="GetOrCreateUser" CpimIssuerTechnicalProfileReferenceId="GetOrCreateUser" />
<OrchestrationStep Order="2" Type="ClaimsExchange" CpimIssuerTechnicalProfileReferenceId="SetCustomAttribute" />
</OrchestrationSteps>
</UserJourney>
Conclusion
Setting custom user attributes through custom policy in Azure AD B2C might seem challenging at first, but by following the steps outlined in this article, you can overcome this hurdle and create a more personalized experience for your customers. Remember to create a custom attribute, define a claim, add a technical profile, and add the technical profile to the user journey. With these instructions, you’ll be well on your way to unlocking the full potential of Azure AD B2C custom policy.
Additional Resources
For more information on Azure AD B2C custom policy and custom user attributes, check out the following resources:
- Azure AD B2C Custom Policy Documentation: https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/active-directory-b2c/custom-policy-overview
- Azure AD B2C Custom User Attributes: https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/active-directory-b2c/user-profile-attributes
- Azure AD B2C Community Forum: https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/answers/topics/azure-active-directory-b2c.html
| Keyword | Frequency |
|---|---|
| Azure AD B2C | 10 |
| Custom Policy | 7 |
| Custom User Attributes | 5 |
| Claims | 3 |
| 2 |
This article is optimized for the keyword “Azure AD B2C not able to set custom user attribute through custom policy” and is designed to provide a comprehensive guide on how to overcome this challenge. By following the steps outlined in this article, you’ll be able to set custom user attributes through custom policy in Azure AD B2C and create a more personalized experience for your customers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Stuck with Azure AD B2C custom policy? Worry not! We’ve got you covered. Check out these FAQs to troubleshoot and set those custom user attributes in no time!
Why can’t I set custom user attributes through a custom policy in Azure AD B2C?
This might happen if the custom user attribute is not defined in the Azure AD B2C directory or if the attribute is not marked as `Application` or `Extension` property. Ensure you’ve created the custom attribute in the Azure portal and marked it as `Application` or `Extension` property.
What is the correct format for defining custom user attributes in Azure AD B2C custom policy?
When defining custom user attributes, use the `extension_` prefix followed by the attribute name. For example, `extension_myCustomAttribute`. This tells Azure AD B2C that this is a custom attribute.
How do I reference a custom user attribute in my Azure AD B2C custom policy?
To reference a custom user attribute in your custom policy, use the `ClaimType` element with the `UserId` attribute set to the custom attribute name. For example, `
Can I use Azure AD B2C built-in attributes as custom user attributes?
No, Azure AD B2C built-in attributes cannot be used as custom user attributes. Built-in attributes are predefined and cannot be modified or overridden. If you need a custom attribute, you must create a new one using the `extension_` prefix.
How do I troubleshoot custom user attribute issues in Azure AD B2C custom policy?
To troubleshoot custom user attribute issues, check the Azure AD B2C audit logs for errors, verify that the custom attribute is defined correctly in the directory, and ensure that the custom policy is configured correctly. You can also use Azure AD B2C’s built-in debugging tools, such as the `Debugger` feature, to test and troubleshoot your custom policy.
